The Nigerian telecommunications industry witnessed a groundbreaking transformation in 2001 with the introduction of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). This monumental shift began with a historic first GSM call made by Oba Otudeko, a respected business mogul and leader of the consortium behind Econet Wireless Nigeria — the first mobile operator to launch commercial services in the country……..CONTINUE READING
Oba Otudeko’s call not only symbolized the start of a new digital era but also marked a turning point for millions of Nigerians, who had long struggled with limited access to reliable communication.
Before GSM, Nigeria relied heavily on analog landlines, which were expensive, unreliable, and accessible to only a small percentage of the population. In 2001, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) licensed three operators: Econet Wireless, MTN Nigeria, and MTEL. Econet was the first to roll out services, and Oba Otudeko, representing the company’s leadership, made the inaugural call to flag off operations.
Econet’s launch was a game-changer. It ushered in a wave of affordable mobile phones, competitive pricing, and new opportunities for business and personal communication. That first call opened the door to:
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Rapid mobile network expansion across Nigeria
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Increased mobile phone penetration
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The rise of telecom-driven entrepreneurship and fintech
Econet would later rebrand several times, evolving into Vmobile, then Celtel, Zain, and now Airtel Nigeria — one of the leading telecom operators in the country today.
More than two decades later, that first GSM call remains a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s development story. The telecommunications sector now contributes significantly to the country’s GDP and supports millions of jobs. Oba Otudeko’s role in that transformation underscores how visionary leadership can drive national progress
Oba Otudeko’s historic GSM call in 2001 didn’t just connect two phones — it connected a nation to the rest of the world. As we enjoy high-speed internet and 5G advancements today, it’s worth remembering the call that started it all.
